Veteran Member

I am hoping to walk the LePuy route with two Camino friends June 2018, taking approximately three weeks to go as far as Mossaic. I have two questions for the moment.
1) In my research, it seems rather difficult to coordinate getting to LePuy from Paris. Other than an expensive flight, it looks like a combination of busing and train(s). Also, heading back to Paris looks like it may be difficult as well. For those of you who have done this, what worked for you logistically?
2) I have read that this route is quite strenuous with difficult walking ups and downs in the earlier stages. I have walked the Norte/Primitivo combination. Is the LePuy similar or more difficult?

There's no need to shy away from trains in Europe. Once you get the hang of them, you'll see why so few Europeans own cars. From CDG in Paris, take the express (even the TGV) to Lyon, change to St-Etienne, and change again. The last leg into Le Puy used to be rail also, but sometimes runs by bus these days. Moissac is on a good rail line, and only one change is necessary to return to Paris.

Strenuousness is entirely relative; this is a hike, not a backpacking adventure. Nothing at all like the Appalachian Trail, for instance. It's true that on the first section, Le Puy - Conques, there are several memorable descents/ascents where rivers have cut deep valleys into the limestone plateau. But French grandmothers walk them every day! And it is possible to send one's bag on ahead on challenging days, if you like. There are times when the footing is stony, and one must be careful where to put one's feet. But these are quite the exceptions rather than the rule.

Member

I am hoping to walk the LePuy route with two Camino friends June 2018, taking approximately three weeks to go as far as Mossaic. I have two questions for the moment.
1) In my research, it seems rather difficult to coordinate getting to LePuy from Paris. Other than an expensive flight, it looks like a combination of busing and train(s). Also, heading back to Paris looks like it may be difficult as well. For those of you who have done this, what worked for you logistically?
2) I have read that this route is quite strenuous with difficult walking ups and downs in the earlier stages. I have walked the Norte/Primitivo combination. Is the LePuy similar or more difficult?

I went to LePuy via Lyon, which was pretty straightforward (train to St. Etienne, and train to LePuy), so no help there. The stretch you are talking about is indeed strenuous, but nothing worse then the Norte/Primitivo. Time tends to put a rosy glow on things, but I do think they are pretty equal in difficulty. To me, conditions make as much difference as actual climbing; rain and heat can magnify the perceived effort. You are in for a treat, though, the Chemin St. Jacques is wonderful.

Active Member

"]2) I have read that this route is quite strenuous with difficult walking ups and downs in the earlier stages. I have walked the Norte/Primitivo combination. Is the LePuy similar or more difficult?[/QUOTE]

Hi Camino Chris,

I have walked the Primitivo last year. This year I walked the Le Puy Route and yes the first 10 days on the Le Puy route is strenuous but for me not more so than the Primitivo.

Member

1) In my research, it seems rather difficult to coordinate getting to LePuy from Paris. Other than an expensive flight, it looks like a combination of busing and train(s). Also, heading back to Paris looks like it may be difficult as well. For those of you who have done this, what worked for you logistically?

You can take the train straight from Paris to Le Puy en Velay, or you can combine your train with a short bus ride to make it cheaper. I took a Ouibus bus from Paris to Lyon for €29 (book in advance for fares down to €15), then a SNCF train to Le Puy for €18.60. A direct train would have cost €100.

Rome2rio is a great resource for figuring out different route options, especially with smaller transportation services!

Veteran Member

Thank you all so very much for your help with such great advise! You have alleviated most of my concerns regarding the logistics. I so appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions...one of the many wonderful things about this forum!
Chris

Active Member

I am hoping to walk the LePuy route with two Camino friends June 2018, taking approximately three weeks to go as far as Mossaic. I have two questions for the moment.
1) In my research, it seems rather difficult to coordinate getting to LePuy from Paris. Other than an expensive flight, it looks like a combination of busing and train(s). Also, heading back to Paris looks like it may be difficult as well. For those of you who have done this, what worked for you logistically?
2) I have read that this route is quite strenuous with difficult walking ups and downs in the earlier stages. I have walked the Norte/Primitivo combination. Is the LePuy similar or more difficult?

Hi, All great advice you've been getting. Trains are easy. Moissac is a good spot to stop. If you have 3 weeks you'll be fine. My wife and I took 17 days to get to Moissac in 2010. Try Gite Ultreia (www.ultreiamoissac.com) in Moissac. Real close to the train station and the hosts, Rom and Aideen, are a great help. Bon Chemin. Dayton and Karen

Veteran Member

Hi, All great advice you've been getting. Trains are easy. Moissac is a good spot to stop. If you have 3 weeks you'll be fine. My wife and I took 17 days to get to Moissac in 2010. Try Gite Ultreia (www.ultreiamoissac.com) in Moissac. Real close to the train station and the hosts, Rom and Aideen, are a great help. Bon Chemin. Dayton and Karen

I agree, Margaret! Unfortunately, the website costs a decent bundle to publish every year and I'm not quite a millionaire yet. The ads on my site are small banners and go a long way.

But in the spirit of helping a fellow pilgrim, you can always download the adblocker extension for your browser. This will hide all advertisements no matter the website, but you might be surprised to see how many websites will block your access and heckle you for not helping them pay some of their maintenance costs.

Hi Davey,
I have booked with Rom at Gite Ultreia via email and confirmed my demi pension after so many recommendations, including yours. And I love that they are from Ireland as they will have no problem conversing with me in English!

Member

I agree, Margaret! Unfortunately, the website costs a decent bundle to publish every year and I'm not quite a millionaire yet. The ads on my site are small banners and go a long way.

But in the spirit of helping a fellow pilgrim, you can always download the adblocker extension for your browser. This will hide all advertisements no matter the website, but you might be surprised to see how many websites will block your access and heckle you for not helping them pay some of their maintenance costs.

Hi Chloe Rose, I have or we have had your site open as a tab on the laptop for the past 4 months or so...I didn't even notice the ads. We are off to do the Le Puy soon in early May , I did the whole CF last year and the previous year. We are really looking forward to it...not too sure about the weather re your snow photos haha. Mark

New Member

In 2014 we began our walk on the Le Puy route. We took a train from Montparnasse Station to Lyon and then another train to St. Etienne and then a bus to Le Puy. It was pretty straight forward with only an hour or so layover in Lyon. I don't know about getting back from Moissac. We also walked the Primitivo in 2017 from Oviedo to Santiago. I found them to be about equal in difficulty with the Primitivo maybe slightly more difficult due to the limited housing options and distances between them. The climb out of Monistrol on the second day will get your heart pumping, but it is not as hard as from Borres to Berducedo or even the shorter route from Palo de Allende to Berducedo if you went that way. I found the part from Espalion to Cahors to be challenging too, particularly getting out of Conques. My opinion is that if you did the Primitivo you will be able to easily get to Moissac in 3 weeks.

accueil abbaye ste foy in conques. superb. reserve as soon as you can! they do keep 10 unreservable beds. enjoy an evening tour of the cathedral and an explanation of the portal by one of the monks.

gite relais de la bourrache in seyriac (before figeac). beautiful house with lots of history (a scallop above one doorway!) and very nice owners. has a kitchen. now less off route since gr to figeac has been rerouted.

New Member

Yes, the Cele valley provides some stunning walking though the Causses landscapes but it is a bit up and down. 1100m of ascent between Marcihlac and St Circ la Popie. The only sad thing was the devastation wrought by the box caterpillar (April 2018) though I suppose the alternative routes will be the same.